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CLINICAL TRIALS: What are they all about?
Alexandra Levine, MD, MACP
Development of new medications has exploded in the past decade, based upon newfound scientific discoveries. These new compounds must go through extensive testing prior to full approval by the FDA, to assure their safety and efficacy. Prior to approval, new drugs are first tested in the lab (test-tubes) and if successful, tests are then done in animals, and if they seem to work in animals, these tests are finally carried out in people. The folks who agree to participate in these experiments, called “clinical trials” may clearly benefit in terms of their own medical care. Additionally, their generosity also provides massive help to everyone else in the society who may benefit from the information learned through their participation.
Dr. Levine will explain what clinical trials are all about: What are they; How do they work; Who pays for them, and Why are they important?